A-78-025
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
ISSUE AN ADVISORY CIRCULAR ADVISING ROTORCRAFT EXTERNAL LOAD OPERATORS THAT, WHENEVER THE CARGO QUICK-RELEASE SWITCH LOCATION OR FUNCTION ON THE PILOT'S PRIMARY CONTROL (USUALLY THE CYCLIC GRIP) IS MODIFIED, THE OPERATORS AGAIN HAVE THEIR PILOTS DEMONSTRATE THEIR ABILITY TO ACTUATE THE SWITCH IN NORMAL AND SIMULATED EMERGENCY OPERATION WITHOUT HAVING TO ASSUME AN UNUSUAL FINGER OR THUMB POSITION WHICH MAY INDUCE UNWANTED CONTROL INPUTS.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The FAA should advise helicopter operators that any changes to the location or function of the cargo release switch on the main control stick must be followed by pilot training. This training is necessary to ensure pilots can still activate the switch during normal and emergency situations without using awkward hand positions that might accidentally move other controls.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Acceptable Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Feb 22, 1980 |
| NTSB number | ANC77DA036 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).